Sierra Leone News: Piracy threatens more than ever -Desmond Finney

Business

The Executive Producer of Supdee Movies, Desmond Finney has bitterly expressed dissatisfaction over the increase in piracy of locally produced movies even though the country has enacted a bill against piracy. The film maker lamented that the increase in piracy has caused a drastic reduction in the sales of Sierra Leonean movies. “We use to sell over 40 thousand copies locally, but to even sell five thousand now it’s difficult.” Finney explained that it was frustrating for him to see one of his recently produced movies sold on the street illegally. He added that the public contributes greatly to piracy in the country, as a result of lack of awareness and love for fellow citizens. He stated that the act of piracy has greatly contributed to the stagnation of the country’s standard in terms of film making in Africa and the world in general. “It is very ironical for me to be nominated as a best new-comer after acting for over twenty years.” Reacting to the proliferation of film companies in the country, Finney noted that other countries have established boards that censor and evaluate the production of movies in order to ensure that substandard ones are not dumped in the market. He suggested that Sierra Leone should replicate such. He was quick to refute the claim that the low educational standard of most Sierra Leonean actors is responsible for the downfall of the film industry. Finney stated that the act of producing film in the local dialects gives a unique distinction to other movies and helps in promoting the culture of the country. Finney acknowledged the need for building the capacities of film companies and actors in the country noting that the proliferation of film companies and their desire for every member to play a part. He called on producers and movie companies to be united against piracy, stressing the need to form a National Film Union that will be geared towards promoting the interest and agitating the concerns of members. “I plead to fellow film makers to put aside their ego, so that we can embark on a united fight against piracy.” By Keifa M. Jaward Friday September 13, 2013

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